Is a urinary tract infection dangerous? Here are 5 facts you should know!

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a condition in which the organs belonging to the urinary system become infected. These organs can be the kidneys, ureters, urethra, or bladder. But urinary tract infections generally occur in the urethra and bladder. Starting from the kidneys, residual substances in the blood are filtered and excreted in the form of urine, which then flows from the kidneys through the ureters to the bladder. After being accommodated in the bladder, urine will be excreted out of the body through a channel called the urethra. Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra. After that, bacteria multiply in the bladder. If left untreated, bacteria can cause infections in the kidneys.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a condition that often occurs and can happen to anyone. Even though it looks trivial, UTIs can actually be dangerous if not treated properly. Here are 5 important facts about UTIs that you should know:

1. UTIs can affect anyone, but women are more susceptible to them because their urethra (urinary tract) is shorter, making it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder. In addition, the urine disposal hole is also closer to the anus and vagina, so it is prone to bacteria that stop by and breed there. Bacteria can enter the urethra in various ways. When having sex, bacteria in the vagina can be pushed into the urethra and end up in the bladder. In addition, the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections are also prone to entering the bladder when someone cleans defecation from the back to the front.

2. UTI symptoms are not always the same, depending on the location of the infection and how severe the condition is. However, the common symptoms that often appear are:

- Urination feels painful, hot, or stings.

- Constantly urinating frequently but little or no urine comes out;

- Fever;

- Frequently wakes up at night with the urge to urinate;

- Stomach below the navel hurts;

- Urine smells bad;

- Urine looks more cloudy or red because there is blood;

- Nausea and vomiting;

- Back pain

3. Do not take UTI symptoms lightly, because if not treated properly, the bacteria can spread to the kidneys and cause a more serious kidney infection. Kidney infections can cause permanent damage to the organ.

4. There are several factors that can increase a person's risk of getting a UTI, such as poor hygiene, a history of previous UTIs, menopause in women, abnormalities in the urinary tract, or a weak immune system.

5. To prevent UTIs, there are several actions you can take, such as maintaining personal hygiene, drinking enough water, urinating as soon as you feel the urge to urinate, and avoiding using chemical products that have the potential to damage the pH balance in intimate areas.

Don't ignore the symptoms of a UTI and immediately consult a urologist at Hermina Depok Hospital if you experience these symptoms. Remember that prevention is always better than treatment, so always maintain your health and personal hygiene to avoid the risk of dangerous UTIs!